What effect does high exposure to oxygen under pressure generally have on divers?

High exposure to oxygen under pressure can lead to a condition known as oxygen toxicity, which is a significant concern for divers using enriched air nitrox or diving at greater depths. As divers breathe oxygen at increased partial pressures, the likelihood of adverse neurological effects and pulmonary complications rises. Symptoms of oxygen toxicity can range from mild (such as visual disturbances or muscle twitching) to severe, including convulsions and loss of consciousness, which can pose serious risks while diving.

In contrast, heightened alertness, improved lung capacity, and increased warm water tolerance are not typical effects of high oxygen exposure under pressure and do not encompass the critical safety aspects divers must consider when planning their dives. The focus should always remain on managing oxygen levels to avoid the potentially dangerous consequences associated with oxygen toxicity.